The difference between pigeon chest and funnel chest

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Pigeon chest is a common thoracic deformity characterized by a protruding sternum, generally believed to be related to genetics, and most consider it caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilage. The deformity of the sternum is secondary to the deformity of the ribs. Funnel chest, on the other hand, refers to the inward concavity of the lower part of the sternum, along with the neighboring ribs and costal cartilages, forming a funnel-like appearance, a type of congenital thoracic deformity more common in males than females. The etiology of funnel chest is relatively complex; it might involve the gradual worsening of the sternum being pulled at various levels during growth and development. It could also be due to excessive growth of the ribs on both sides, pressing the sternum backward, leading to the formation of funnel chest. Some also consider it a sex-linked dominant hereditary disease. The thoracic deformity in pigeon chest primarily protrudes outward, whereas in funnel chest, it concaves inward, and the causes are also different.

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Will chicken breast caused by calcium deficiency improve after calcium supplementation?

Children lacking Vitamin D can manifest various symptoms of rickets due to calcium deficiency, including pigeon chest, beading of the ribs, X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and square skull. As long as these are identified early, by supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium and ensuring comprehensive nutrition, children can return to normal growth and development. With age and appropriate physical exercise, these skeletal abnormalities can gradually improve and generally do not leave lasting effects.

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How to treat pectus carinatum?

Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a typical chest deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. There are various causes for pigeon chest, such as rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, and some hereditary metabolic diseases may also lead to bone development malformations like pigeon chest. If pigeon chest is caused by rickets, it is necessary to supplement adequate vitamin D, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and receive sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, mild cases of pigeon chest can be treated with pediatric rehabilitation using active or passive methods for correction. In severe cases of chest deformity, surgical correction may be required. Generally, there are no effective solutions for hereditary diseases, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms accordingly. Therefore, if a child is suspected of having pigeon chest, it is advised to consult a specialist at a hospital to assess the child's condition and provide corresponding treatment.

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How to determine if a baby has pigeon chest

Pectus carinatum, commonly referred to as pigeon chest, is a manifestation of the skeletal sequelae of rickets in children, where the sternum protrudes outward. To examine for pigeon chest, one commonly uses the hand to feel from top to bottom; if the sternum is noticeably protruding from the surface, then pigeon chest may be considered. This condition is a sequelae caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. If this is the case, it is essential to visit a pediatric care, growth and development, or general pediatric outpatient clinic, where a pediatrician can confirm the diagnosis. If pigeon chest is confirmed, blood tests to measure Vitamin D levels should be conducted for infants. For older children, appropriate calcium supplementation and exercises to expand the chest should also be considered.

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The difference between rickets and pigeon chest.

The difference between rickets and pigeon chest: Pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets; rickets is mainly caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. During the acute phase of rickets, when skeletal changes occur, this condition can easily cause deformities in the patient's chest. The pigeon chest deformity is one of the symptoms of rickets. That is to say, pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets, not a disease itself.

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The difference between pigeon chest and funnel chest

Pigeon chest is a common thoracic deformity characterized by a protruding sternum, generally believed to be related to genetics, and most consider it caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilage. The deformity of the sternum is secondary to the deformity of the ribs. Funnel chest, on the other hand, refers to the inward concavity of the lower part of the sternum, along with the neighboring ribs and costal cartilages, forming a funnel-like appearance, a type of congenital thoracic deformity more common in males than females. The etiology of funnel chest is relatively complex; it might involve the gradual worsening of the sternum being pulled at various levels during growth and development. It could also be due to excessive growth of the ribs on both sides, pressing the sternum backward, leading to the formation of funnel chest. Some also consider it a sex-linked dominant hereditary disease. The thoracic deformity in pigeon chest primarily protrudes outward, whereas in funnel chest, it concaves inward, and the causes are also different.